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I sat on the couch after midnight, my wife and little girl asleep in their beds, I in the dark, silence. My thoughts attacked each other, never coming together, never making sense, keeping me from sleeping. Life was slipping by and I wondered how much time I would have to be a good husband, a good father, and true to myself. I wondered if I was worth the life I lived, if I was worth anything. But the wondering was garbled in a mind fevered with demons. I was alone. I was utterly alone. Then I saw light coming from my bedroom where my wife slept. I walked to the door and peered in – no light, just the gentle breathing of my sleeping wife. I left, bewildered, and saw the same light, this time from my daughter’s room. I found her sleeping peacefully as well, no light but the small nightlight that keeps her company. I turned from her room and returned to the living room and suddenly fell to my knees, grasping my chest in pain. Am I having a heart attack? It burned, like fire. I tore my shirt, then I tore my chest, pulling back the flesh — and then the light came out. The same light. It flooded the room making everything in it sharp, bright, crystal clear. It was so bright I should have been blinded, but instead, I saw better than I ever have. I gasped, fell to my hands, the light was gone. I breathed as though I’d run a mile. In the dark, on the floor. My chest was whole, my shirt untorn. When I caught my breath it was quiet again. All I could hear was the gentle breathing of my wife and daughter, asleep in their beds.
9 Responses to “Mystical Love”
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So many cool new illos here!! Awesome ! Love the lighting!
Wow mike! great illo! you sure are a loving creature. i wish someday I’ll find someone with burning heart just like yours. it’s such a rare thing to find these days.
What a wonderful post. My husband’s brother just told us a similar story not too long ago. I’m glad you have immortalized the great love for your family here for all to see.
Hey Mike, this is the coolest pic! And you’re such a cool guy! I really appreciate the comments and suggestions you sent me, too. The story on your post reminds me of a movie quote (Riding in Cars with Boys?) “Sometimes we love people so much that we have to be numb to it. Because if we actually felt how much we love them, it would kill us. That doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means your heart’s too big.” I don’t necessarily agree we get “numb” but we may not at times realize the magnititude of that love.
A super way to capture such a powerful moment. Those quite unexpected moments of clarity seem to happen just when we need them most.
Wonderful work.
Beautiful story to say the love which you have for your wife and your daughter, and a beautiful mystical illustration :o)
It was hard to decide which posting to leave a comment on–they’re all so good! I picked this one because of how it shares so much about you and your love for your family. Such a beautiful and creative way to express your feelings, Mike! I also like your IF submission(s!). You’re loving making these pieces! Interesting that you share how much time it takes to make one. I’m drawn to that for some reason!
Take care and have a greeeeeat weekend!
this is so sweet, you bought a tear to my eye,
nice illo too!
What an eloquent presentment of your love for the women in your life (wife and daughter). Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with us. We’re all much enriched and warmed because of it.